Associate Programme students learn from alumni and experts in dance during lockdown

Students from Central’s Associate Programme have been given the opportunity to learn from dance experts in recent weeks through a programme that is supplementary to their regular classes.  Two Central alumni, Thomas Edward and Aisling Brangan, talked to the Associates about their experiences of training in London and subsequent career success. Thomas and Aisling graduated from Central’s BA in Professional Dance and Performance degree in 2013 and secured jobs at Scottish Ballet where they performed works by Sir Kenneth Macmillan, Christopher Hampson and Crystal Pite on stages across the world.

Associate Programme tutors Emily Powell and James Muller led two contemporary workshops for the Pre-Senior students. Across the two sessions, the students were advised about where to look for sources of inspiration and how to choreograph their own solos. After the first workshop, students were given the opportunity to create a short solo and then to receive feedback on their work from the tutors during the second session.

The feedback from both students and parents includes:

“This is the first time I have approached choreographing a solo so the session with Emily and James was very helpful.” Associate Programme Student

“Such an inspirational talk from Tom and Aisling. It was very insightful to hear about their time training at Central.” Associate Programme Parent

Jo Hurst, Associate School Manager, says: “It was really beneficial for the students to hear directly from professional dancers about their training and careers to date. The questions afterwards, ranging from training at Central to favourite performance roles, demonstrated how interested our students are in this type of first-person testimony from skilled artists. James and Emily’s wealth of experience was similarly helpful, and it was especially pleasing to see the Pre-Senior students explore their creativity with support.”

If you are interested in joining the Associate Programme, a pre-vocational programme of Saturday classes specifically aimed at those aiming for professional dance training, note that applications are open for September 2021 entry. See further details below.